Page 5 - English Expedition Class 4

Preface

As one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, English has become the
tool of choice for transmitting both knowledge and culture in many multilingual
settings. The imperative need for proficiency in the English language can be adequately
fulfilled through a comprehensive study of its literature. Keeping this in mind, English

Expedition has been designed as a stepping stone for young learners towards an all-round
development of language skills along with a wholesome appreciation of literature in
the English language.

An integrated series for classes 1–8, English Expedition has the following components:
Coursebook, Companion CD, Teacher’s Resource Pack with enhanced
e-book, animated lessons and test generator, and easily accessible Online Support at
vivadigital.in.

Designed according to the latest CISCE curriculum, the series replaces conventional
methods of language learning with practice of essential language skills introduced
through a wide variety of literary genres. The featured texts with diverse themes

offer an ample range of fiction, non-fiction and poetry selections, from the classics to
contemporary lyrics, inspirational speeches to moving personal letters, and myths and
folk tales to science fiction.

In keeping with the contemporary practice of incorporating the other arts as literary

texts, new narrative forms have been included in the series. Picture stories in class 1
and comic strips in classes 2–5 are a couple of examples. A play features in classes 3–8
and the works of Shakespeare have been gradually introduced in classes 6, 7 and 8 with
the aim of familiarizing the readers with the canonical texts.

A starter exercise provides the thematic framework at the beginning of each chapter.
In classes 1 and 2, the starters are in the form of interactive activities, while the ones
in classes 3–8 gradually guide the readers towards a more subjective understanding
of the texts. In-text questions are an important feature in classes 6–8 and address the

more complex themes in these texts. In addition to these, an exhaustive glossary with
explanations of difficult words and phrases, and an ‘About the Author’ section have also
been included to facilitate the understanding of the learners.

English Expedition is a sincere effort to assimilate a versatile and pluralistic selection of
classic and contemporary texts into a well-graded series. We hope it will provide an
enjoyable language-learning experience for young learners and help them develop
their own distinctive palate for the English language and its intricacies.